There is provided a method for increasing axillary branching, tillering, flowering, and yield of agronomic and horticultural crops, by applying to said crop plants or to soil containing the seeds or other propagating organs of said plants, an effective amount of a 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridine or 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)quinoline derivative.

Patent
   4957536
Priority
Jun 02 1980
Filed
Sep 22 1988
Issued
Sep 18 1990
Expiry
Sep 18 2007
Assg.orig
Entity
Large
4
5
all paid
9. A method to regulate growth activity on cereal grains, cotton, soybeans and sugarcane comprising; applying to said crops or to soil containing the seeds or other propagating organs of said crops, an effective amount of a compound having the structure: ##STR14## wherein R1 is C1 -C4 alkyl;
R2 is C1 -C4 alkyl or C3 -C6 cycloalkyl; and when R1 and R2 are taken together they may represent C3 -C6 cycloalkyl optionally substituted with methyl;
A is coor3, CONHR6, CHO, CH2 OH, COCH3, COC6 H5, cn, CH3, CH═NOH, CH2 COOH, CONHOH, CH2 CH2 COOH, CHR8 OH, ##STR15## R3 is hydrogen, ##STR16## C1 -C12 alkyl optionally substituted with one of the following groups: C1 -C3 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, C3 -C6 cycloalkyl, benzyloxy, furyl, phenyl, halophenyl, loweralkylphenyl, loweralkoxyphenyl, nitrophenyl, carboxyl, loweralkoxycarbonyl, cyano or triloweralkylammonium;
C3 -C12 alkenyl optionally substituted with one of the following groups: C1 -C3 alkoxy, phenyl, halogen or loweralkoxycarbonyl or with two C1 -C3 alkoxy groups or two halogen groups;
C3 -C6 cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or two C1 -C3 alkyl groups;
C3 -C10 alkynyl optionally substituted with one or two C1 -C3 alkyl groups; or,
A cation;
R6 is hydrogen, hydroxyl, C3 -alkenyl, C3 -alkynyl or C1 -C4 alkyl optionally substituted with one hydroxyl or one chlorine group;
B is H, COR4 or SO2 R5, provided that when B is COR4 or SO2 R5 ; A is coor3 in which R3 is other than H, or a salt-forming cation, CH3 or cn; W is O; and Y and Z are not alkylamino, hydroxyl, or hydroxyloweralkyl;
R4 is C1 -C11 alkyl, chloromethyl or phenyl optionally substituted with one chloro, one nitro or one methoxy group;
R5 is C1 -C4 alkyl or phenyl optionally substituted with one methyl group;
W is O or S;
R8 is C1 -C4 -alkyl or phenyl;
X is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl or methyl, with the proviso that when Y and Z are taken together to form a ring and yz is represented by the structure: --(CH2)n --, where n is 3 or 4, X is hydrogen;
Y and Z each represent members selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1 -C6 alkyl, hydroxy-loweralkyl, C1 -C6 alkoxy, C1 -C4 alkylthio, phenoxy, C1 -C4 -haloalkyl, nitro, cyano, C1 -C4 alkylamino, diloweralkylamino or C1 -C4 alkylsulfonyl group, or phenyl optionally substituted with one C1 -C4 alkyl, C1 -C4 alkoxy or halogen; and, when taken together, Y and Z may form a ring in which yz are represented by the structure: --(CH2)n --, where n is an integer selected from 3 and 4, provided that X is hydrogen; ##STR17## where L, M, Q and R7 each represent members selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1 -C4 alkyl, C1 -C4 alkoxy, C1 -C4 alkylthio, C1 -C4 alkylsulfonyl, C1 -C4 haloalkyl, NO2, cn, phenyl, phenoxy, amino, C1 -C4 alkylamino, diloweralkylamino, chlorophenyl, methylphenyl, or phenoxy substituted with one Cl, CF3, NO2 or CH3 group, with the proviso that only one of L, H, Q or R7, may represent a substituent other than hydrogen, halogen, C1 -C4 alkyl or C1 -C4 -alkoxy.
and when W is O and A is cn, CH3 or coor3, provided that R3 cannot be unsaturated alkyl and Y and Z cannot be alkylamino, dialkylamino or alkylthio, and the N-oxides thereof, and when R1 and R2 are not the same, the optical isomers thereof, and, except when R3 is a salt-forming cation, the acid addition salts thereof.
1. A method to increase axillary branching, tillering, flowering and yield of agronomic crops and accelerate maturation of cereal crops comprising: applying to said crops plants or to soil containing the seeds other propagating organs of said plants, an effective amount of a compound having the structure: ##STR8## wherein R1 is C1 -C4 alkyl;
R2 is C1-C4 alkyl or C3 -C6 cycloalkyl; and when R1 and R2 are taken together they may represent C3 -C6 cycloalkyl optionally substituted with methyl;
A is coor3, CONHR6, CHO, CH2 OH, COCH3, COC6 H5, cn, CH3, CH═NOH, CH2 COOH, CONHOH, CH2 CH2 COOH, CHR8 OH, ##STR9## R3 is hydrogen, ##STR10## C1 -C12 alkyl optionally substituted with one of the following groups: C1 -C3 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, C3 -C6 cycloalkyl, benzyloxy, furyl, phenyl, halophenyl, loweralkylphenyl, loweralkoxyphenyl, nitrophenyl, carboxyl, loweralkoxycarbonyl, cyano or triloweralkylammonium;
C3 -C12 alkenyl optionally substituted with one of the following groups: C1 -C3 alkoxy, phenyl, halogen or loweralkoxycarbonyl or with two C1 -C3 alkoxy groups or two halogen groups;
C3 -C6 cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or two C1 -C3 alkyl groups;
C3 -C10 alkynyl optionally substituted with one or two C1 -C3 alkyl groups; or,
A cation;
R6 is hydrogen, hydroxyl, C3 -alkenyl, C3 -alkynyl or C1 -C4 alkyl optionally substituted with one hydroxyl or one chlorine group;
B is H, COR4 or SO2 R5, provided that when B is COR4 or SO2 R5 ; A is coor3 in which R3 is other than H, or a salt-forming cation, CH3 or cn; W is O and Y and Z are not alkylamino, hydroxyl, or hydroxyloweralkyl;
R4 is C1 -C11 alkyl, chloromethyl or phenyl optionally substituted with one chloro, one nitro or one methoxy group:
R5 is C1 -C4 alkyl or phenyl optionally substituted with one methyl group;
W is O or S;
R8 is C1 -C4 -alkyl or phenyl;
X is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl or methyl, with the proviso that when Y and Z are taken together to form a ring and yz is represented by the structure: --(CH2)n --, where n is 3 or 4, X is hydrogen;
Y and Z each represent members selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1 -C6 alkyl, hydroxy-loweralkyl, C1 -C6 alkoxy, C1 -C4 alkylthio, phenoxy, C1 -C4 -haloalkyl, nitro, cyano, C1 -C4 alkylamino, diloweralkylamino or C1 -C4 alkylsulfonyl group, or phenyl optionally substituted with one C1 -C4 alkyl, C1 -C4 alkoxy or halogen; and, when taken together, Y and Z may form a ring in which yz are represented by the structure: -(CH2)n --, where n is an integer selected from 3 and 4, provided that X is hydrogen; ##STR11## where L, M, Q and R7 each represent members selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1 C4 alkyl, C1 C4 alkoxy, C1 -C4 alkylthio, C1 -C4 alkylsulfonyl, C1 -C4 haloalkyl, NO2, cn, phenyl, phenoxy, amino, C1 -C4 alkylamino, diloweralkylamino, chlorophenyl, methylphenyl, or phenoxy substituted with one Cl, CF3, NO2 or CH3 group, with the proviso that only one of L, M, Q or R7, may represent a substituent other than hydrogen, halogen, C1 -C4 alkyl or C1 -C4 -alkoxy.
and when W is O and A is cn, CH3 or coor3, provided that R3 cannot be unsaturated alkyl and Y and Z cannot be alkylamino, dialkylamino or alkylthio, and the N-oxides thereof, and when R1 and R2 are not the same, the optical isomers thereof, and, except when R3 is a salt-forming cation, the acid addition salts thereof.
2. The method according to claim 1, to induce tillering, accelerate the maturation and increase the yield of cereal crops comprising: applying to said plants or to the soil containing seeds thereof from 0.0001 kg/ha to 0.01 kg/ha of a compound of claim 1.
3. The method according to claim 1, to induce axillary branching, tillering and to increase the flowering, pod set and yield of legumes comprising: applying to said plants or to soil containing the seeds thereof from 0.0001 kg/ha to 0.01 kg/ha of a compound of claim 1.
4. A method according to claim 1, to increase yield of cotton comprising: applying to said cotton plants or to the soil containing seeds thereof from about 1 g/ha to 380 g/ha of a compound of claim 1.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said compound has the structure: ##STR12## wherein B is hydrogen, CO-alkyl C1 -C6 or CO-phenyl; A is coor3 where R3 is as described in formula (I) above; except that when R3 is a cation, it is a cation of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, cobalt, lead, silver, nickel, ammonium and organic ammonium; X is hydrogen, and Y and Z each represent hydrogen, C1 -C6 alkyl, C1 -C4 -alkoxy, halo, C1 -C4 -haloalkyl, or phenyl and, when taken together, yz represent --(CH2)4 --.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said compound has the structure: ##STR13## wherein R1, R2, W, B, A, X, L, M, Q and R7 are as defined in reference to formula (I) above, but especially those wherein R1 is methyl; R2 is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or cyclopropyl; W is oxygen; B is hydrogen, CO-alkyl C1 -C6, CO-phenyl optionally substituted with one chloro, nitro or methoxy group; A is coor3, CH2 OH or CHO; R3 is as defined in formula (I); except that when R3 is a cation, it is a cation of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, cobalt, lead, silver, nickel, ammonium and organic ammonium; X is hydrogen and L, M, Q and R7 are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, methoxy, nitro, alkyl C1 -C4, CF3, cn, N(CH3)2, NH2, SCH3, or SO2 CH3, provided that only one of L, M, Q or R7 may be nitro, CF3, cn, N(CH3)2, NH2, SCH3 or SO2 CH3.
7. The method according to claim 2, wherein said cereal crops are barley, oats, rice, rye, wheat and corn.
8. The method according to claim 3, wherein said legumes are soybeans, beans, peas and lentils.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 06/910,319 filed Sept. 22, 1986, abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 06/635,787, filed July 30, 1984, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 06/490,548, filed May 6, 1983, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 06/255,012, filed Apr. 17, 1981, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 06/155,866, filed June 2, 1980, abandoned.

This invention relates to a method for increasing axillary branching, tillering, flowering and yield of agronomic and horticultural crops by applying to the foliage of said crops or to soil containing seeds or other propagating organs thereof, an axillary branching, tillering, flowering or yield increasing amount of a compound having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R1 is C1 -C4 alkyl;

R2 is C1 -C4 alkyl or C3 -C6 cycloalkyl; and when R1 and R2 are taken together they may represent C3 -C6 cycloalkyl optionally substituted with methyl;

A is COOR3, CONHR6, CHO, CH2 OH, COCH3, COC6 H5, CN, CH3, CH═NOH, CH2 COOH, CONHOH, CH2 CH2 COOH, CHR8 OH, ##STR2## R3 is hydrogen, ##STR3## C1 -C12 alkyl optionally substituted with one of the following groups: C1 -C3 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, C3 -C6 cycloalkyl, benzyloxy, furyl, phenyl, halophenyl, loweralkylphenyl, loweralkoxyphenyl, nitrophenyl, carboxyl, loweralkoxycarbonyl, cyano or triloweralkylammonium;

C3 -C12 alkenyl optionally substituted with one of the following groups: C1 -C3 alkoxy, phenyl, halogen or loweralkoxycarbonyl or with two C1 -C3 alkoxy groups or two halogen groups;

C3 -C6 cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or two C1 -C3 alkyl groups;

C3 -C10 alkynyl optionally substituted with one or two C1 -C3 alkyl groups; or,

A cation, as for example, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, cobalt, lead, silver, nickel, ammonium and organic ammonium;

R6 is hydrogen, hydroxyl, C3 -alkenyl, C3 -alkynyl or C1 -C4 alkyl optionally substituted with one hydroxyl or one chlorine group;

B is H, COR4 or SO2 R5, provided that when B is COR4 or SO2 R5 ; A is COOR3 in which R3 is other than H, or a salt-forming cation, CH3 or CN; W is O; and Y and Z are not alkylamino, hydroxyl, or hydroxyloweralkyl;

R4 is C1 -C11 alkyl, chloromethyl or phenyl optionally substituted with one chloro, one nitro or one methoxy group;

R5 is C1 -C4 alkyl or phenyl optionally substituted with one methyl group;

W is O or S;

R8 is C1 -C4 -alkyl or phenyl;

X is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl or methyl, with the proviso that when Y and Z are taken together to form a ring and YZ is represented by the structure: --(CH2)n --, where n is 3 or 4, X is hydrogen;

Y and Z each represent members selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1 -C6 alkyl, hydroxy-loweralkyl, C1 -C6 alkoxy, C1 -C4 alkylthio, phenoxy, C1 -C4 -haloalkyl, nitro, cyano, C1 -C4 alkylamino, diloweralkylamino or C1 -C4 alkylsulfonyl group, or phenyl optionally substituted with one C1 -C4 alkyl, C1 -C4 alkoxy or halogen; and, when taken together, Y and Z may form a ring in which YZ are represented by the structure: --(CH2)n, where n is an integer selected from 3 and 4, provided that X is hydrogen; ##STR4## where L, M, Q and R7 each represent members selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1 C4 alkyl, C1 C4 alkoxy, C1 -C4 alkylthio, C1 -C4 alkylsulfonyl, C1 -C4 haloalkyl, NO2, CN, phenyl, phenoxy, amino, C1 -C4 alkylamino, diloweralkylamino, chlorophenyl, ethylphenyl, or phenoxy substituted with one Cl, CF3, NO2 or CH3 group, with the proviso that only one of L, M, Q or R7, may represent a substituent other than hydrogen, halogen, C1 -C4 alkyl or C1 -C4 -alkoxy.

and when W is O and A is CN, CH3 or COOR3, provided that R3 cannot be unsaturated alkyl and Y and Z cannot be alkylamino, dialkylamino or alkylthio, and the N-oxides thereof, and when R1 and R2 are not the same, the optical isomers thereof, and, except when R3 is a salt-forming cation, the acid addition salts thereof.

This invention also relates to a method for effectively inducing and/or accelerating the maturation of cereal crops by applying to the foliage of cereal plants and/or to soil containing seeds of said plants, a maturation accelerating amount of a 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridine or 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)quinoline compound of formula (I).

Application of the formula (I) 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridines or quinolines to the foliage of a variety legumes or herbaceous ornamentals, or to soil in which said plant species are grown, at rates between about 0.0001 kg/ha and 0.01 kg/ha, also has the advantage that such treatment frequently induces a mild dwarfing effect on the treated plants. This dwarfing effect is particularly advantageous in the treatment of ornamental plants wherein the aesthetic value of the plants can be measurably improved by reducing their height and increasing their canopy.

A preferred group of 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)-pyridine compounds for use in the methods of the present invention has the formula shown as formula (I) above, wherein R1 is methyl; R2 is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or cyclopropyl; W is oxygen; B is hydrogen, CO-alkyl C1 -C6 or CO-phenyl optionally substituted with chloro, nitro or methoxy; A is COOR3, CH2 OH or CHO where R3 is as described in formula (I) above, X is hydrogen, Y and Z are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 -C6 alkyl, C1 -C6 alkoxy, halo, phenyl, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl or methylsulfonyl; and when Y and Z are taken together, YZ is --(CH2)4.

A more preferred group of these 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridines may be illustrated by the formula (Ia): ##STR5## wherein B is hydrogen, CO-alkyl C1 -C6 or CO-phenyl; A is COOR3 where R3 is as described in formula (I) above; X is hydrogen and Y and Z each represent hydrogen, C1 -C6 alkyl, C1 -C4 -alkoxy, halo, C1 -C4 -haloalkyl, or phenyl and, when taken together, YZ represent --(CH2)4 --.

The most preferred formula (Ia), 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridine compounds are those wherein B, X, Y and Z are each hydrogen; A is COOR3 and R3 is as described in formula (I) above.

A preferred group of 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)-quinoline compounds useful in the methods of the present invention is illustrated by formula (II) below: ##STR6## wherein R1, R2, W, B, A, X, L, M, Q and R7 are as defined in reference to formula (I) above, but especially those wherein R1 is methyl; R2 is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or cyclopropyl; W is oxygen; B is hydrogen, CO-alkyl C1 -C6, CO-phenyl optionally substituted with one chloro, nitro or methoxy group; A is COOR3, CH2 OH or CHO; R3 is as defined in formula (I); X is hydrogen and L, M, Q and R7 are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, methoxy, nitro, alkyl C1 -C4, CF3, CN, N(CH3)2, NH2, SCH3, or SO2 CH3, provided that only one of L, M, Q or R7 may be nitro, CF3, CN, N(CH3)2, NH2, SCH3 or SO2 CH3.

A more preferred group of formula (II) 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)quinoline compounds are those wherein X, L and R7 are each hydrogen; R1 is methyl; R2 is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or cyclopropyl; B is hydrogen or COCH3 ; A is COOR3, CH2 OH or CHO and R3 is as defined in formula (I); W is oxygen and M and Q each represent a member selected from hydrogen, halogen, methyl, methoxy, nitro, CF3, CN, N(CH3)2, NH2, SCH3 or SO2 CH3, provided that only one of M or Q may be a substituent other than hydrogen, halogen, methyl or methoxy.

A still more preferred group of formula (II) 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)quinolines are those in which R1 is methyl; R2 is isopropyl; W is oxygen; B, X, L, M, Q and R7 are hydrogen; A is COOR3 where R3 is C1 -C8 alkyl, hydrogen, C3 -C8 alkenyl, C3 -C8 alkynyl, C3 -C6 cycloalkyl or a cation selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, cobalt, lead, silver, nickel, ammonium and aliphatic ammonium.

In formulas (I), (Ia), and (II) above, alkali metals include: sodium, potassium and lithium, but sodium is generally preferred. Further, the term "organic ammonium," is defined as a group consisting of a positively charged nitrogen atom joined to from one to four aliphatic groups, each containing from one to 20 carbon atoms. Among the organic ammonium groups which are illustrative for the preparation of the aliphatic ammonium salts of the formula (I) imidazolinyl nicotinic acids and esters herein are: monoalkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium, tetraalkylammonium, monoalkenylammonium, dialkenylammonium, trialkenylammonium, monoalkynylammonium, dialkynylammonium, trialkynylammonium, monoalkanolammonium, dialkanolammonium, trialkanolammonium, C5 -C6 -cycloalkylammonium, piperidinium, morpholinium, pyrrolidinium, benzylammonium and equivalents thereof. Exemplary of halogen hereinabove are chlorine, fluorine, bromine, and iodine, but chlorine and bromine are preferred.

The formula (I) 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridine and quinoline compounds and methods for their preparation are disclosed in co-pending application for U.S. Letters Patent of Marinus Los, Ser. No. 382,041, filed May 25, 1982, U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,068 and EPO Application No. 811036383, published Dec. 16, 1981, incorporated herein by reference thereto.

The formula (I) 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridine and quinoline compounds as hereinabove defined are surprisingly effective for inducing and/or accelerating the maturation of cereal crops and for increasing axillary branching, tillering, flowering and yield of agronomic and horticultural crops by applying to the foliage of said crops or to soil containing seeds or other propagating organs thereof, an amount of active ingredient effective for increasing axillary branching, tillering, flowering or yield, or inducing and/or accelerating maturation of said crops.

It has now been established that some of the formula (I) 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridine and quinoline compounds are highly effective for increasing the yield of cotton by applying to the foliage of cotton plants or to soil containing seeds or other propagating organs thereof, a yield enhancing amount, preferably from 1 g/ha to about 380 g/ha, of the formula (1) pyridine or quinoline.

Notably, it has been further established that the above-said formula (I) 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridine and quinoline compounds are likewise, very effective for inducing tillering of sugarcane, for increasing the total tonnage of millable cane and for increasing the total sugar yield of sugarcane. These results are obtained by applying to the foliage of immature sugarcane which is at a growth stage between growth stage 1 and growth stage 4-5 (stem elongation and pre-maturity) or to soil containing propagating organs thereof, from about 50 g/ha to about 750 g/ha and preferably about 50 g/ha to about 500 g/ha of the formula (I) 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridine or quinoline.

Although it has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,012, issued Sept. 13, 1983, that the 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridine and quinoline compounds of formula (I) are effective as chemical ripening agents for sugarcane when applied to mature cane two to four weeks prior to harvest, it was quite unexpected to find that preemergence treatment of propagating organs of sugarcane or early postemergence treatment of sugarcane, would increase (1) the tillering of the cane, (2) the number of millable canes and (3) the total tonnage of cane.

Some of the formula (I) 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridine and quinoline compounds as hereinabove defined are surprisingly effective for inducing and/or accelerating the maturation of cereal crops such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, and corn without adversely affecting the quality of seeds and the yields thereof, when applied to said plants and/or to the soil containing the seeds of said plants in amounts of as low as from 0.0001 kg/ha to 0.01 kg/ha and preferably 0.0002 kg/ha to 0.005 kg/ha.

The method of using formula (I) compounds to accelerate and/or induce maturing, and thus allow the earlier than usual harvesting of cereal crops is, or could be, quite important to the users thereof. Thus, for instance, in any given location, the so treated cereal crops may be harvested well ahead of their usual time of harvest, and the land so freed is immediately available for the planting of a second crop which otherwise would not have sufficient time to grow and reach a stage of size suitable to harvest.

Such a method would also make it possible to allow a cereal crop to be harvested on time even though its planting .may have been delayed due to adverse weather conditions.

Furthermore, the use of formula (I) compounds to accelerate the maturing of cereal crops may make possible the planting and harvesting of such crops in certain regions of the world where the growing season is normally of shorter duration than the time needed to allow said crops to mature.

Interestingly, some formula (I) 2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridines and quinolines, when applied to legumes such as soybeans, beans, pea, and lentils and/or to soil containing the seeds of said plants, in amounts of as low as from about 0.0001 kg/ha to about 0.01 kg/ha and preferably 0.002 kg/ha to 0.005 kg/ha, will improve the axillary branching and tillering of said plants. The thus-treated legumes also show increased flowering, increased pod set, and increased yields.

While some of the formula (I) compounds, as defined above, are also quite effective for inducing branching and increasing flowering of herbaceous ornamentals such as colei, dahlias, tulips, daffodils, crocuses, crysanthemums, and roses when applied to said plants and/or to the soil containing the seeds or other propagating organs of said plants in amounts of as low as from about 0.0001 kg/ha to 0.01 kg/ha and preferably 0.0002 kg/ha to 0.005 kg/ha.

The compounds of formula (I), (Ia), and (II) are disclosed and claimed as herbicides in co-pending application Ser. No. 382,041, filed May 25, 1982, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 155,909, filed June 2, 1980.

Advantageously, the compounds of this invention can be formulated as solid or liquid compositions which may be dispersed in a liquid or solid diluent for application to vegetative matter.

Since the formula (I) derivatives, wherein R3 is a salt forming cation, are water soluble, these compounds can simply be dispersed in water and applied as a dilute aqueous spray to the foliage of agronomic and horticultural plants or to soil containing the seeds or other propagating organs thereof. These salts also lend themselves to formulation as flowable concentrates.

The 2-(α-imidazolin-2-yl)pyridines and quinolines of formula (I) can be formulated as wettable powders, flowable concentrates, emusifiable concentrates, and granular formulations.

A typical flowable liquid can be prepared by admixing about 40% by weight of the active ingredient with about 2% by weight of a gelling agent such as bentonite, 3% by weight of a dispersing agent such as sodium lignosulfonate, 1% by weight of polyethylene glycol and 54% by weight of water.

A typical emulsifiable concentrate can be prepared by dissolving about 25% by weight of the active ingredient in about 65% by weight of N-methylpyrrolidone, isophorone, butyl cellosolve, methylacetate or the like and dispersing therein about 10% by weight of a nonionic surfactant such as alkylphenoxypolyethoxy alcohol. This concentrate is dispersed in water for application as a liquid spray.

When the above compounds are to be used where soil treatments are involved, the compounds may be prepared and applied as granular products. Preparation of the granular product can be achieved by dissolving the active compound in a solvent such as methylene chloride, N-methylpyrrolidone or the like and spraying the thus prepared solution on a granular carrier such as corncob grits, sand, attapulgite, kaolin or the like.

Wettable powders can be prepared by grinding together about 20% to 45% by weight of a finely divided carrier such as kaolin, bentonite, diatomaceous earth, attapulgite, or the like, 45% to 80% by weight of the active compound, 2% to 5% by weight of a dispersing agent such as sodium lignosulfonate, and 2% to 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, such as octylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol, nonylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol or the like.

A typical flowable liquid can be prepared by admixing about 40% by weight of the active ingredient with about 2% by weight of a gelling agent such as bentonite, 3% by weight of a dispersing agent such as sodium lignosulfonate, 1% by weight of polyethylene glycol and 54% by weight of water.

A typical emulsifiable concentrate can be prepared by dissolving about 5% to 25% by weight of the active ingredient in about 65% to 90% by weight of N-methylpyrrolidone, isophorone, butyl cellosolve, methylacetate or the like and dispersing therein about 5% to 10% by weight of a nonionic surfactant such as an alkylphenoxy polyethoxy alcohol. This concentrate is dispersed in water for application as a liquid spray.

When the compounds of the invention are to be used where soil treatments are involved, the compounds may be prepared and applied as granular products. Preparation of the granular product can be achieved by dissolving the active compound in a solvent such as methylene chloride, N-methylpyrrolidone or the like and spraying the thus prepared solution on a granular carrier such as corncob grits, sand, attapulgite, kaolin or the like.

The granular product thus prepared generally comprises about 3% to 20% by weight of the active ingredient and about 97% to 80% by weight of the granular carrier.

A composition for the treatment of a one hectare plot, to increase the crop yield of cereal grains or legumes grown thereon, comprises from 100 to 500 liters of water; from 0.01 to 0.001 kg of a compound having the structure: ##STR7## wherein B is hydrogen, CO-alkyl C1 -C6 or CO-phenyl; A is COOR3 where R3 is as described in formula (I) above; X is hydrogen and Y and Z each represent hydrogen, C1 -C6 alkyl, C1 -C4 -alkoxy, halo, C1 -C4 -haloalkyl, or phenyl and, when taken together, YZ represent --(CH2)4 --, and, from 0.01% to 3% by weight of a dispersing agent and/or non-ionic surfactant.

In order to facilitate a further understanding of the invention, the following examples are presented primarily for the purpose of illustrating certain more specific details thereof. The invention is not be be deemed limited thereby except as defined in the claims. Unless otherwise noted, all parts are by weight.

PAC Evaluation of the maturation effect on Barley caused by the compounds of the invention

In the following tests, the appropriate compounds are dissolved or dispersed in acetone-water (1:1) mixtures at the final concentration corresponding to the kg/ha rates indicated in the tables below The solutions also contain 0.1% to 0.25% v/v colloidal BIOFILM® (a product of Colloidal Products Corp.) which is a mixture of alkyl aryl polyethoxyethanol, free and combined fatty acids, glycol ethers, dialkylbenzene carboxylate and 2propanol.

The plant species used in these tests is barley (Hordeum vulgare, var. Mexico).

The solution or dispersion of the compound under test is sprayed at a rate of 40 ml per pot applied to the foliage.

In the postemergence tests, the plants are seedlings at the two leaf stage (19 plants per pot; pot size; 8.9 cm×6.3 cm×6.3 cm)

The pots were watered immediately before treatment and placed on benches in a random arrangement in the greenhouse. Normal watering and fertilizing practices are followed (pesticides are applied to the plants as needed). Minimum day and night temperatures of 18.3°C are maintained during cooler periods of the year. Normal daily fluctuations occur during the summer season.

Plants are sprayed to provide the kg/ha rates indicated in the tables below Each treatment is replicated 6 times.

Periodic observations are made after treatment and morphological changes are noted. From these observations as compared to the untreated controls, the maturation effect of the instant compounds on barley can be determined.

The data thus obtained are averaged and summarized in Tables Ia to Ic inclusive.

TABLE Ia
______________________________________
Evaluation of the maturation effect of the compounds
of the invention on barley
Rate
Compound kg/ha Results
______________________________________
Triethylammonium-2-(5-
0.01 slight increase in
isopropyl-5-methyl-4- tillering
oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
0.002 slight increase in
nicotinate tillering
Methyl-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.01 great increase in
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imi- tillering
dazolin-2-yl)nicotinate
0.002 Earlier heading
increased tillering
0.004 Earlier heading
increased tillering
Calcium-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.01 Phytotoxic
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imida-
0.002 Increased tillering
zolin-2-yl)nicotinate
2-(5-ethyl-5-methyl-4-
0.01 delayed heading
oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)- increased tillering
nicotinic acid
______________________________________
TABLE Ib
______________________________________
Evaluation of the maturation effect of the compounds
of the invention on barley
Rate
Compound kg/ha Results
______________________________________
Methyl-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.01 slight increase in
5-methyl-4-oxo-2- tillering
imidazolin-2-yl)nicotin-
0.005 slight increase in
ate tillering
______________________________________
TABLE Ic
______________________________________
Evaluation of the maturation effect of the compounds
of the invention on barley
Rate
Compound kg/ha Results
______________________________________
Methyl-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.1 Phytotoxic
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-
0.05 Phytotoxic
imidazolin-2-yl)nico-
0.01 great increase in
tinate tillering with
earlier head
maturation
______________________________________
PAC Evaluation of the increased branching and flowering effect of the compounds or in the invention

By the method of Example 1, the effect of the compounds of the invention is evaluated on soybeans (Glycine max, var. ADELPHI). Each test is replicated six times. There is one plant per pot and the plants are treated at the 2nd to 3rd trifoliate stage.

The data obtained are averaged and summarized in Tables IIa to IIc inclusive.

TABLE IIa
______________________________________
Evaluation of the increased branching effect on
soybeans of the compounds of the invention
Rate
Compound kg/ha Results
______________________________________
Methyl-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.01 greatly increased
5-methyl-4-oxo-2- branching, blossoming
imidazolin-2-yl)nico- delayed, greener leaves
tinate 0.002 Increased branching
Calcium-2-(5-isopro-
0.01 greatly increased
pyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-2- branching, delayed
imidazolin-2-yl)nico- blossoming, greener
nate leaves
2-(5-ethyl-5-methyl-
0.01 Moderately increased
4-oxo-2-imidazolin branching
2-yl)nicotinic acid
0.0004 Moderately increased
branching
______________________________________
TABLE IIb
______________________________________
Evaluation of increased branching and flowering effect
on soybeans of the compounds of the invention
Rate
Compound kg/ha Results
______________________________________
Methyl-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.01 greatly increased
5-methyl-4-oxo-2- branching; increased
imidazolin-2-yl)nico- number of flowers,
tinate flowering delayed slightly
0.005 greatly increased
branching; moderately
increased flowering
0.0025 moderately increased
branching; increased
flowering
______________________________________
TABLE IIc
______________________________________
Evaluation of increased tillering effect on soybeans of the
compounds of the invention
Rate
Compound kg/ha Results
______________________________________
Methyl-2-(5-isopropyl
0.1 Phytotoxic
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imi-
0.05 Phytotoxic
dazolin-2-yl)nicotinate
0.01 greatly increased
branching darker
green leaves
______________________________________
PAC Evaluation of the increased yield effect of the compounds of the invention

By the method of Example 1, the effect of the compounds of the invention is evaluated on soybeans (Glycine max. var. ADELPHI). Each test is replicated 6 times. There is one plant per pot and the plants are treated at the 6th trifoliate stage. The data obtained are averaged and summarized in Table IIl below.

TABLE III
__________________________________________________________________________
Evaluation of the increased yield effect of the compounds of the
invention
on soybeans (Average of 6 replicates)
% % %
Rate
No. of
Increase (+)
Fresh pod
Increase (+)
Dry pod
Increase (+)
Compound kg/ha
pods
Decrease (-)
wt in g
Decrease (-)
wt in g
Decrease (-)
__________________________________________________________________________
Control -- 99.7
-- 126.2 -- 32.4 --
Methyl-2-(5-iso-
0.01
27.3
-73 28.5 -77 7.7 -76
propyl-5-methyl-4-
0.002
115.0
+15 126.3 0 29.5 -9
oxo-2-imidazolin-
0.0004
122.8
+23 149.6 +19 38.2 +18
2-yl)nicotinate
__________________________________________________________________________
PAC Evaluation of the maturation effect on wheat caused by the compounds of the invention applied postemergence

By the method of Example 1, wheat (Triticum aestivum, var. Era) is treated at the early tillering stage at the kg/ha rates indicated in Table IV below. Each treatment is replicated 6 times.

The plants are harvested five weeks post treatment, the number of heads, fresh and dry head weight and straw weight are determined and the % changes (±) indicated. The data obtained are averaged and summarized in Table IV below.

TABLE IV
__________________________________________________________________________
Evaluation of the maturation effect on wheat, caused by the compounds
of the invention, applied postemergence
Heads; No.; wt in g; % change
Straw;
Rate
No. of heads;
Fresh wt in g;
Dry wt in g;
wt in g;
Compound kg/ha
% change
% change
% change
% change
__________________________________________________________________________
Control -- 30.2 64.3 30.1 100.1
-- -- -- --
ethyl-2-(5-
0.01
37.0 77.3 30.8 173.5
isopropyl-4-oxo-
22.5 20.2 2.3 73.3
imidazolin-2-yl)-
0.002
38.2 88.0 38.4 160.7
nicotinate 26.5 36.8 27.6 60.5
0.004
31.5 62.2 28.2 110.8
4.3 -3.1 -6.3 10.7
__________________________________________________________________________
PAC Evaluation of the maturation effect on wheat caused by the compounds of the invention applied preemergence

The seeds of wheat (Triticum aestivum, var. Era) are mixed with potting soil and planted on top of approximately 2.5 cm of soil in 12.5 cm diameter fiber pots. After planting, the pots are sprayed with the aqueous acetone solution containing the test compound at the kg/ha rates given in Table V below. The treated cups are then placed on greenhouse benches, watered and cared for in accordance with conventional greenhouse procedures. Each treatment is replicated six times.

The plants are harvested 11 weeks post treatment, the number of heads, fresh and dry head weight and straw weight are determined and the % changes (±) indicated. The data obtained are averaged and summarized in Table V below.

TABLE V
__________________________________________________________________________
Evaluation of the maturation effect on wheat, caused by the compounds
of the invention, applied preemergence
Heads; No.; wt in g; % change
Straw
Rate
No. of heads;
Fresh wt in g;
Dry wt in g;
wt in g;
Compound kg/ha
% change
% change
% change
% change
__________________________________________________________________________
Control -- 25.7 47.2 15.7 145.3
-- -- -- --
Methyl-2-(5-isopro-
0.1 -- -- -- 101.6
pyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-
-- -- -- -30.1
2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
0.01
29.3 50.9 17.0 139.8
nicotinate 14.0 7.8 8.3 -3.8
0.001
28.8 53.0 18.0 135.3
12.1 12.3 14.6 -6.9
__________________________________________________________________________
PAC Evaluation of test compounds for increasing soybean yield

In the following tests, seeds of either Era variety wheat or Adelphi variety soybeans, are planted in 13 cm fiber pots. The test compounds are then dispersed in acetone-water (1:1) mixtures containing 0.1% to 0.25% v/v colloidal BIOFILM which is a mixture of alkyl aryl polyethoxyethanol, free and combined fatty acids, glycol ethers, dialkylbenzene carboxylate and 2-propanol. The planted seeds are sprayed with a sufficient amount of the mixture to provide each pot with 0.1, 0.01, or 0.001 kg/ha of test compound. The treated cups are then placed on greenhouse benches and cared for in accordance with greenhouse procedures. Three months after treatment the soybeans are harvested, dried and weighed. Six replicates per treatment are used and averaged. Data obtained are reported below.

TABLE VI
______________________________________
Soybean yield enhancement evaluation
Rate Dry Pod % Increase
Compound kg/ha wt (g) over controls
______________________________________
Untreated controls
-- 13 --
Methyl 2-(5-isopropyl-
0.1 4.8
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-
0.01 14.9 +15
imidazolin-2-yl)-
0.001 15.3 +18
nicotinate
______________________________________
Wheat yield enhancement evaluation
Rate Dry Head % Increase
Compound kg/ha wt (g) over controls
______________________________________
Untreated controls
-- 15.7 --
Methyl 2-(5-isopropyl-
0.1 --
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-
0.01 17.0 +8.2
imidazolin-2-yl)-
0.001 18.0 +14.6
nicotinate
Untreated control
-- 19.3 --
methyl 2-(5-isopropyl-
0.016 11.3
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-
0.008 21.5 +11.4
imidazolin-2-yl)-
0.004 23.2 +14.5
nicotinate)·HCl
______________________________________
PAC Wheat yield enhancement evaluation, test compound applied post-emergence

The following tests were conducted using the procedure of Example 1, excepting that the plant species used is Era wheat and the crop is harvested nine weeks after treatment, the following results are obtained.

______________________________________
Wheat Yield Enhancement Evaluation
Rate Dry Head % Increase
Compound kg/ha wt (g) over controls
______________________________________
Untreated controls
-- 30.1 --
Methy1 2-(5- 0.01 30.8 +2.3
isopropyl-5- 0.002 38.4 +28.1
methyl-4-oxo-2-
0.0004 28.2 -6.3
yl)nicotinate
______________________________________
PAC Evaluation of test compounds for crop yield enhancement employing soybeans (Glycine max. variety Adelphi) as the crop plant

In the following tests, the appropriate compounds are dissolved or dispersed in acetone-water (1:1) mixtures at the final concentration corresponding to the kg/ha rates indicated in Table Vll below. The solutions also contain 0.1% to 0.25% v/v colloidal BIOFILM® (a product of Colloidal Products Corporation) which is a mixture of alkyl aryl polyethoxyethanol, free and combined fatty acids, glycol ethers, dialkylbenzene carboxylate and 2propanol.

The plant species used in these tests is soybeans (Glycine max. variety Adelphi).

The plants are at the fifth to sixth trifoliate stage when treated and are growing in individual pots, pot size: 8.9 cm×6.3 cm×6.3 cm.

The pots are watered immediately before treatment and placed on benches in a random arrangement in the greenhouse. Normal watering and fertilizing practices are followed (pesticides are applied to the plants as needed). Minimum day and night temperatures of 18.3°C are maintained during cooler periods of the year. Normal daily fluctuations occur during the summer season.

The solution or dispersion of the compound under test is sprayed in a volume of 40 mL applied to the foliage of four to six replicates at a rate corresponding to the indicated kg/ha rate reported in Table Vll below.

Forty-five days after treatment, the beans from each plant are harvested and weighed. Data obtained are reported in Table VII below.

TABLE VII
______________________________________
EVALUATION OF TEST COMPOUNDS FOR CROP
YIELD ENHANCEMENT EMPLOYING SOYBEANS
(GLYCINE MAX. VARIETY ADELPHI)
AS THE CROP PLANT
Average
Bean Percent
Rate Dry Wei- of
Compound kg/ha ght (g) Control
______________________________________
Control -- 15.7 --
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-4-
0.005 17.7 112.7
oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-3-quinoline-
0.0025 16.9 107.6
carboxylic acid 0.0005 17.0 108.2
Control -- 9.0 --
Cyclohexyl 2-(5-Isopro-
0.063 9.4 104.4
pyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazo-
lin-2-yl)nicotinate
0.036 10.1 112.2
Methyl 5-ethyl-2-(5-isopro-
0.063 9.5 105.5
pyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
nicotinate 0.036 9.8 108.8
Control -- 13.2 --
2-(4-oxo-1,3-diazaspiro[4.5]dec-
0.063 14.0 107.7
2-en-2-yl)nicotinic acid
0.036 13.0 98.5
0.015 14.9 112.9
Calcium 2-(4-oxo-1,3-diazaspiro-
0.015 13.9 105.4
[4.5]dec-2-en-2-yl)nicotinate
Tallowammonium 2-(4-oxo-1,3-diaza-
0.15 15.3 115.9
spiro[4.5]dec-2-en-2-yl)nicotinate
2,2'-Iminodiethanol 2-(4-oxo-1,3-
diazaspiro[4.5]dec-2-en-2-yl)-
0.036 14.2 107.6
nicotinate 0.015 14.4 109.1
Control -- 21.0 --
6-Chloro-2-(5-isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.250 21.4 101.9
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-3-
0.125 22.3 106.2
quinolinecarboxylic acid
0.063 22.1 105.2
5-Chloro-2-(5-isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.250 20.9 99.5
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-3-
0.125 25.2 120.0
quinolinecarboxylic acid
0.063 21.2 101.0
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-2-
0.063 26.2 124.8
imidazolin-2-yl)-6-nitro-3-
quinolinecarboxylic acid
Methyl 5-ethyl-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.0250 25.0 119.0
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-
0.125 22.5 107.1
2-yl)nicotinate 0.063 23.1 110.0
Control -- 27.8 --
Magnesium 2-(4-oxo-1,3-diazaspiro-
0.25 29.2 105.0
[4.5]dec-2-en-2-yl)nicotinate
Ferrous 2-(4-oxo-1,3-diazaspiro-
0.50 30.3 108.9
[4.5]dec-2-en-2-yl)nicotinate
Sodium 2-(4-oxo-1,3-diazaspiro-
0.25 28.7 103.2
[4.5]dec-2-en-2-yl)nicotinate
______________________________________
PAC Evaluation of test compounds for increasing crop yield of wheal (Triticum aestivum, variety Era)

The seeds of wheat (Triticum aestivum, variety Era) are mixed with potting soil and planted on top of approximately 2.5 cm of soil in 12.5 cm diameter fiber pots. After planting, the pots are sprayed with the aqueous acetone solution containing the test compound at the kg/ha rates given in Table VIII below. The treated cups are then placed on greenhouse benches, watered, and cared for in accordance with conventional greenhouse procedures. Each treatment is replicated six times.

The plants are harvested 11 weeks post treatment, the dry head weight determined, and the percent changes (+) dry head weight of the untreated controls indicated. Data obtained are averaged and summarized in Table VIII below.

TABLE VIII
______________________________________
EVALUATION OF TEST COMPOUNDS FOR INCREASING
CROP YIELD OF WHEAT (VARIETY ERA)
Wheat Yield
Dry Head Percent
Rate Weight (g) of
Compound kg/ha Per Pot Control
______________________________________
Control -- 16.4 --
2-(5,5-dimethyl-4-oxo-2-
0.125 26.4 161.0
imidazolin-2-yl)nicotinic
0.063 19.0 115.8
acid 0.036 23.3 142.0
Cyclohexyl 2-(5-isopropyl-5-
0.063 18.3 111.6
methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-
2-yl)nicotinate
Methyl 2-(5-isopropyl-5-
0.063 30.4 185.4
methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-
0.036 16.8 102.4
yl)-6-methoxynicotinate
Control -- 23.2 --
2-Propynyl 2-(5,5-dimethyl-4-
0.125 23.5 101.3
oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
nicotinate
Methyl 2-(5-ethyl-5-methyl-
0.036 26.7 115.1
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
nicotinate
Methyl 2-(5-isobutyl-5-
2.0 25.5 110.0
methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-
1.0 27.6 118.9
2-yl)nicotinate
______________________________________
PAC Evaluation of test compounds for crop yield enhancement employing soybeans (Glycine max. variety Adelphi) as the crop plant

In the following tests, the appropriate compounds are dissolved or dispersed in acetone-water (1:1) mixtures at the final concentration corresponding to the kg/ha rates indicated in Table IX below. The solutions also contain 0.1% to 0.25% v/v colloidal BIOFILM® (a product of Colloidal Products Corporation) which is a mixture of alkyl aryl polyethoxyethanol, free and combined fatty acids, glycol ethers, dialkylbenzene carboxylate and 2-propanol.

The plant species used in these tests is soybeans (Glycine max. variety Adelphi).

The plants are at the fifth to sixth trifoliate stage when treated and are growing in individual pots, pot size: 8.9 cm×6.3 cm ×6.3 cm.

The pots are watered immediately before treatment and placed on benches in a random arrangement in the greenhouse. Normal watering and fertilizing practices are followed (pesticides are applied to the plant as needed). Minimum day and night temperatures of 18.3°C are maintained during cooler periods of the year. Normal daily fluctuations occur during the summer season.

The solution or dispersion of the compound under test is sprayed in a volume of 40 mL applied to the foliage of six replicates at a rate corresponding to the indicated kg/ha rate reported in Table IX below.

Forty-five days after treatment, the beans from each plant are harvested and weighed. Data obtained are reported in Table IX below.

TABLE IX
______________________________________
Evaluation of Test Compounds for Crop Yield
Enhancement Employing Soybeans (Glycine max.
variety Adelphi) as the Crop Plant
Rate Percent
Compound kg/ha ± Control
______________________________________
Methyl 2-(5-isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.0025 - 9.9
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
0.00125 + 2.5
nicotinate 0.00062 + 12.6
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-
0.0025 + 8.6
2-imidazolin-2-yl)nicotinic
0.00125 + 20.0
acid 0.00062 + 2.3
*2-Methylallylammonium 2-(5-
0.0025 + 21.4
isopropyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-2-
0.00125 + 25.2
imidazolin-2-yl)nicotinate
0.00062 - 8.0
*5-Ethyl-2-(5-isopropyl-5-
0.0025 + 9.2
methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-
0.00125 + 9.5
2-yl)nicotinic acid 0.00062 + 29.6
______________________________________
*Applied at seventheighth trifoliate
PAC Evaluation of test compounds for increasing crop yield of winter barley (variety Maury)

In the following tests, 18 m2 plots were seeded with winter barley (variety Maury). When the barley was established and had developed to the Zadok's 30/31 stage, i.e., late tillering, the plots were sprayed with a dilute aqueous solution containing 0.25% by weight of Ortho-X77 spreader activator, the principal ingredients of which are: alkylarylpolyoxyethylene glycol, free fatty acid and propanol, and a sufficient amount of test compound to provide 0.125 g/ha, 0.25 g/ha or 0.5 g/ha of active ingredient when the solution is applied at the rate of 790 liters per hectare. The barley is permitted to mature and then harvested. Crop yield data obtained in these tests are reported in Table X below.

TABLE X
______________________________________
Evaluation of Test Compounds for Increasing Crop
Yield of Winter Barley (variety Maury)
Rate Plot Yield Percent
Compound kg/ha kg/18 m2 Plot
Control
______________________________________
Control 0 9.65 --
Isopropylammonium 2-(5-
0.000125 9.85 102.1
iospropyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-
0.00025 9.99 103.5
2-imidazolin-2-yl)nicotinate
0.0005 9.82 101.8
Control 0 9.05 --
5-Ethyl-2-(5-isopropyl-5-
0.000125 9.28 102.5
methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-
0.00025 9.08 100.3
2-yl)nicotinic acid
0.0005 9.19 101.5
______________________________________
PAC Evaluation of the maturation effect on barley caused by the compounds of the invention

In the following tests, the appropriate compounds are dissolved or dispersed in acetone-water (1:1) mixtures at the final concentration corresponding to the kg/ha rates indicated in the tables below. The solutions also contain 0.1% to 0.25% v/v collodal BIOFILM® (a product of Colloidal Products Corp.) which is a mixture of alkyl aryl polyethoxyethanol, free and combined fatty acids, glycol ethers, dialkylbenzene carboxylate and 2-propanol.

The plant species used in these tests is barley (Hordeum vulgare, var. Mexico).

The solution or dispersion of the compound under test is sprayed at a rate of 40 mL per pot applied to the foliage.

In the postemergence tests, the plants are seedlings at the two leaf stage (19 plants per pot; pot size; 8.9 cm×6.3 cm×6.3 cm).

The pots were watered immediately before treatment and placed on benches in a random arrangement in the greenhouse. Normal watering and fertilizing practices are followed (pesticides are applied to the plants as needed). Minimum day and night temperatures of 18.3°C are maintained during cooler periods of the year. Normal daily fluctuations occur during the summer season.

Plants are sprayed to provide the kg/ha rates indicated in the tables below. Each treatment is replicated six times.

Periodic observations are made after treatment and morphological changes are noted. From these observations as compared to the untreated controls, the maturation effect of the instant compounds on barley can be determined.

The data thus obtained are summarized in Table XI below.

TABLE XI
______________________________________
Evaluation of the maturation effect of the
compounds of the invention on barley
Rate
Compound kg/ha Results
______________________________________
3-Methyl-3-butenyl 2-
0.10 Earlier heading
(5-isopropyl-5-methyl- Increased number
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl) of blooms
3-quinolinecarboxylic
acid
6-Chloro-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.1 Earlier heading
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imida-
0.05 Earlier heading
zolin-2-yl) 3-quinoline-
carboxylic acid
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.1 Earlier heading
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
0.05 Earlier heading
7-methyl-3-quinolinecar-
boxylic acid
6-Fluoro-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.025 Earlier heading
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imida-
zolin-2-yl) 3-quinoline-
carboxylic acid
6-Butoxy-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.5 Earlier heading
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazo- Increased number
lin-2-yl) 3-quinoline- of blooms
carboxylic acid 0.25 Earlier heading
Increased number
of blooms
tert-Butyl 2-(4-isopropyl-
0.20 Earlier heading
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-
2-yl) 3-quinolinecarboxylic
acid
Methyl 2-(5-isopropyl-5-
0.25 Earlier heading
methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin- Increased number
2-yl)-5-propylnicotinate of blooms
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.01 Earlier heading
4-thioxo-2-imidazolin-2-
yl) 3-quinolinecarboxylic
acid
Methyl 1-oxide 2-(1-
0.50 Earlier heading
acetyl-5-isopropyl-5-methyl-
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)
3-quinolinecarboxylate
2-(5-Ethyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-
0.10 Earlier heading
2-imidazolin-2-yl) 3-quino-
Increased number
linecarboxylic acid of blooms
5-Chloro-2-(5-isopropyl-5-
0.05 Earlier heading
methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-
0.025 Earlier heading
2-yl)-8-methoxy-3-quino-
linecarboxylic acid
8-Chloro-2-(5-isopropyl-5-
0.25 Earlier heading
methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin- Increased number
2-yl)-5-methoxy-3-quino- of blooms
linecarboxylic acid
2-Propynyl 5-ethyl-2-(5-
0.10 Earlier heading
isopropyl-5-methyl-4-oxo- Increased number
2-imidazolin-2-yl) nico- of blooms
tinate
Ethyl 5-ethyl-2-(5-
0.25 Earlier heading
isopropyl-5-methyl-4- Increased number
oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl) of blooms
nicotinate 0.125 Earlier heading
Increased number
of blooms
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.05 Earlier heading
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)- Increased number
6-(trifluoromethyl)-3- of blooms
quinolinecarboxylic acid
6-(Allyloxy)-2-(5-isopro-
0.025 Earlier heading
pyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-2-
imidazolin-2-yl)nicotinic
acid
Methyl 2-(5-isopropyl-5-
0.10 Earlier heading
methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazo- Increased number
lin-2-yl) 3-quinoline- of blooms
carboxylate
7-Chloro-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.10 Earlier heading
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imida- Increased number
zolin-2-yl) 3-quinoline- of blooms
carboxylic acid
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.005 Earlier heading
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)- Increased number
5-methoxynicotinic acid, of blooms
compound with isopropyl-
amine (1:1)
Benzyl 2-(5-isopropyl-5-
0.025 Earlier heading
methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-
2-yl)-5-methylnicotinate
2-Propynyl 2-(5-isopropyl-
0.025 Earlier heading
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazo-
lin-2-yl) 3-quinolinecar-
boxylate
1,1-Dimethylallyl 2-(5-
0.005 Earlier heading
isopropyl-5-methyl-4-
oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)
3-quinolinecarboxylate
2-Propynyl 2-(1-acetyl-
0.025 Earlier heading
5-isopropyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-
Increased number
2-imidazolin-2-yl)nicotinate
of blooms
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.025 Earlier heading
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)- Increased number
5-methylnicotinic acid of blooms
Benzyl 5-isopropoxy-2-(5-
0.025 Earlier heading
isopropyl-5-methyl-4-oxo Increased number
2-imidazolin-2-yl)nicotin- of blooms
ate
Methyl 6-butyl-5-ethyl-2-
0.5 Earlier heading
(5-isopropyl-5-methyl-4-
0.25 Earlier heading
oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
nicotinate
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.10 Earlier heading
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)- Increased number
6-(2-propynyloxy) of blooms
nicotinic acid 0.01 Earlier heading
Increased number
of blooms
Benzyl 5-ethyl-2-(5-
0.125 Earlier heading
isopropyl-5-methyl-4- Increased number
oxo-2-imidazolin-2- of blooms
yl)nicotinate
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.01 Earlier heading
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)- Increased number
5,8-dimethoxy-3-quinoline- of blooms
carboxylic acid
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.20 Earlier heading
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)- Increased number
6,7-dimethyl-3-quinoline- of blooms
carboxylic acid 0.05 Earlier heading
Increased number
of blooms
______________________________________
PAC Evaluation of test compounds for increasing soybean blooms

In the following tests, seeds of Adelphi variety soybeans are planted in 13 cm fiber pots. The test compounds are then dispersed in acetone-water (1:1) mixtures containing 0.1% to 0.25% v/v colloidal BIOFILM® which is a mixture of alkyl aryl polyethoxyethanol, free and combined fatty acids, glycol ethers, dialkylbenzene carboxylate and 2-propanol. The planted seeds are sprayed with a sufficient amount of the mixture to provide each pot with 0.2, 0.125 and 0.10 kg/ha of test compound. The treated cups are then placed on greenhouse benches and cared for in accordance with greenhouse procedures. Three to four weeks after treatment the number of blooms are counted and compared to an untreated control. Data obtained are reported below in Table XII.

TABLE XII
______________________________________
Evaluation of test compounds for bloom enhancement
employing soybeans (Glycine max. variety Adelphi)
as the crop plant
Rate Bloom Percent
Compound kg/ha ± Control
______________________________________
2-(5-Isopropyl-5-methyl-
0.20 +10
4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)
benzo[g]quinoline-3-car-
boxylic acid
6-Ethoxy-2-(5-isopropyl-
0.10 +10
5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imida-
zolin-2-yl) 3-quinoline-
carboxylic acid
______________________________________
PAC Evaluation of compounds for increasing yields in soybeans

In the following tests, seeds of soybeans (598 on J-99 variety) are planted in 15.24 cm×12.7 cm pots. Some seeds are then treated preemergence while others are allowed to grow to the two to three trifoliate (V3) stage or five to six trifoliate (V5) stage. The plants or seeded pots are sprayed with various concentrations of chemicals being evaluated in acetone/water solutions containing 0.25% v/v of colloidal BIOFILM® which is a mixture of alkyl aryl polyethoxyethanol, free and combined fatty acids, glycol ethers, dialkylbenzene carboxylate and 2-propanol. The treated plants and pots are then returned to the greenhouse and cared for in accordance with greenhouse procedures. The plants are allowed to mature to the R8 stage and are harvested, and the yields compared to an untreated control. The results of these experiments, which are summarized in Table XIII, demonstrate the effectiveness of the compounds of the invention for increasing the yield of soybeans as expressed in the number of developed fruit, dry weight and fresh weight.

TABLE XIII
__________________________________________________________________________
EVALUATION OF TEST COMPOUNDS FOR INCREASING YIELDS OF SOYBEANS
Percent Yield Compared With Untreated
Control
Stage of Rate Number Yield Yield
Compound Application
Day
kg/ha
Fruit Development
Dry Weight
Fresh Weight
__________________________________________________________________________
2-(4-Isopropyl-4-methyl-
V3
75 63 110.33 114.65 125.91
5-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
V3
75 32 108.06 109.11 116.21
6- -p-tolyl-nicotinic acid
V3
75 16 99.24 107.74 104.75
Ethyl 6-ethyl-2-(4-iso-
PE 97 1000 97.31 102.99 101.58
propyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-imi-
PE 97 500 98.92 97.23 118.31
dazolin-2-yl)-Nicotinate
PE 97 250 104.84 104.29 104.14
5-Hydroxy-2-(4-iospropyl-
PE 96 5.0 100.00 97.85 96.89
4-methyl-5-oxo-2-imidazolin-
PE 96 2.5 91.65 93.60 99.46
2-ly)-nicotinic acid
PE 96 1.3 95.23 103.70 106.22
1,1-Dimethyl-2-propynl-2-(4-
V3
69 5.0 106.63 106.62 102.15
iospropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-
V3
69 2.5 104.50 99.93 96.56
imidazolin-2-yl)-nicotinate
V3
69 1.3 104.42 109.15 105.71
2-(4-Isopropyl-4-methyl-5-
V3
69 125 80.76 81.07 85.94
oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-3-
V3
69 63 106.31 105.00 101.75
quinolinecarboxylic acid,
V3
69 32 105.68 101.34 103.46
compound with 2-amino-2,3-
dimethylbutyramide (1:1)
2-(4-Iospropyl-4-methyl-5-
V3
79 5.0 86.74 82.59 88.70
oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-N-
V3
79 2.5 93.18 82.70 89.23
(phenylsulfonyl)-3-quino-
V 3
79 1.3 104.87 104.91 102.46
linecarboxamide
Methyl 6-(dimethylamino)-2-
V3
83 125 100.26 103.23 119.42
(4-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-
V3
83 25 109.51 104.66 106.15
2-imidazolin-2-yl)-3-quino-
V3
83 5.0 106.68 101.18 90.48
linecarboxylate
Ethyl 6-isopropoxy-2-(4-iso-
V3
83 100 102.83 98.88 100.93
propyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-imi-
V3
83 50 107.20 96.02 89.30
dazolin-2-yl)-nicotinate
V3
83 25 107.71 100.31 106.45
7-Ethoxy-2-(4-isopropyl-4-
V5
79 2.5 80.59 82.81 82.80
methyl-5-oxo-2-imidazolin-
V5
79 1.3 100.37 109.36 107.31
2-yl)-3-quinolinecarboxylic
V5
79 0.6 96.34 108.69 106.97
acid
5-Chloro-2-(4-isopropyl-4-
V5
84 50 104.00 114.35 125.09
methyl-5-oxo-2-imidazolin-
V5
84 25 100.80 96.68 93.41
2-yl)-3-quinolinecarboxylic
V5
84 13 104.40 99.25 95.60
acid
__________________________________________________________________________
PAC Evaluation of compounds for increasing yields in cotton

In the following tests, seeds of cotton (Stoneville 213 variety) are planted in 20.32 cm diameter pots and are allowed to grow to the two- to three-leaf (V3) stage or to the first-flower (R8) stage. The plants are sprayed with various concentrations of chemicals being evaluated in acetone/water solutions containing 0.25% v/v of colloidal BIOFILM® which is a mixture of alkyl aryl polyethoxyethanol, free and combined fatty acids, glycol ethers, dialkylbenzene carboxylate and 2-propanol. The treated plants are then returned to the greenhouse and cared for in accordance with greenhouse procedures. The plants are allowed to mature to the open boll stage and are harvested, and the yields compared to an untreated control. The results of these experiments, which are summarized in Table XIV, demonstrate the effectiveness of some of the compounds of the invention for increasing yields in cotton as expressed in both the dry weight and the number of developed fruits.

TABLE XIV
__________________________________________________________________________
EVALUATION OF TEST COMPOUNDS FOR INCREASING YIELDS OF COTTON
Percent Yield Compared With Untreated Control
Stage of Rate
Number Developed Bolls
Compound Application
day
kg/ha
of Bolls Dry Weight
__________________________________________________________________________
2-(4-Isopropyl-4-methyl-
V3
113
380 148.28 134.27
5-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
V3
113
125 124.14 96.38
6 -p-tolyl-nicotinic acid
V3
113
40 106.90 99.65
2-(4-Isopropyl-4-methyl-
V3
113
3.0 147.13 176.69
5-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-
V3
113
2.0 106.90 104.65
3-quinolinecarboxylic acid,
V3
113
1.0 103.45 106.72
compound with 2-amino-2,3-
dimethylbutyramide (1:1)
5-Ethyl-2-(4-isopropyl-
R8
70
6.0 69.23 68.75
4-methyl-5-oxo-2-imidazolin-
R8
70
3.0 94.23 92.20
2-yl)-nicotinic acid
R8
70
1.5 107.69 113.33
__________________________________________________________________________
PAC Evaluation of test compounds for increasing tillering and tonnage of sugarcane as well as sugar yield

In this evaluation, sugarcane in the spike stage of growth is sprayed with an aqueous solution of test compound containing a sufficient quantity thereof to provide the desired amount of test compound calculated on a kg/hectare basis. Test solutions contain 0.25% of a nonionic surfactant marketed by GAF Corporation as Igepal DM-710. This surfactant is an alkylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol. Treatment plots are based on 40 m row/plot, and each treatment is replicated four times. Twenty days after treatment, each plot is examined, and the stand count for each treatment made. Data obtained are reported in Table XV below. One hundred and eleven days after treatment, tiller counts are made, and data obtained are reported in Table XVI below. Eleven months after treatment, the cane is harvested, and the cane yield in metric tons, sugar yield in metric tons, and the number of millable canes from each treatment are determined. Data obtained are reported in Table XVII below.

TABLE XV
______________________________________
DETERMINATION OF STAND COUNT IN SUGARCANE
FOLLOWING TREATMENT AT THE SPIKE STAGE
Rate Stand Percent
Compound (kg/ha) Count* Over Control
______________________________________
Untreated Check
0 292 --
Isopropylammonium
0.1875 341 +16.8
2-(4-isopropyl-4-
0.375 335 +14.7
methyl-5-oxo-2-imi-
0.50 321 +9.9
dazolin-2-yl)nico-
tinate
______________________________________
*Based on 40 m row/plot.
TABLE XVI
______________________________________
DETERMINATION OF TILLERING IN SUGARCANE
FOLLOWING TREATMENT AT THE SPIKE STAGE
Rate Average Percent
Compound (kg/ha) # Tillers Over Control
______________________________________
Untreated Check
0 622 --
Isopropylammonium
0.1875 689 +10.0
2-(4-isopropyl-4-
0.375 710 +14.0
methyl-5-oxo-2-imi-
0.50 714 +15.0
dazolin-2-yl)nico-
tinate
______________________________________
TABLE XVII
__________________________________________________________________________
DETERMINATION CANE YIELD, SUGAR YIELD, AND NUMBER OF MILLABLE CANES IN
SUGARCANE TREATED AT THE SPIKE STAGE
% Increase % Increase
Number
% Increase
Rate Cane Yield
Over Sugar Yield
Over Millable
Over
Compound (kg/ha)
M.T./ha*
Weeded Checks
M.T./ha*
Weeded Checks
Canes
Weeded
__________________________________________________________________________
Checks
Untreated Check
0 103.6 -- 11.38 -- 400 --
Isopropylammonium
0.1875
120.2 +16.0 12.41 +9.0 451 +12.8
2-(4-isopropyl-4-
0.375
124.5 +20.2 13.97 +22.8 456 +14.0
methyl-5-oxo-2-
0.50 120.2 +16.0 13.61 +12.0 450 +12.5
imidazolin-2-yl-
nicotinate
__________________________________________________________________________
*Metric Tons
PAC Evaluation of test compounds for the preemergence treatment of seed pieces

In this evaluation, a sufficient amount of isopropylammonium 2-(4-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)nicotinate is dissolved in water and sprayed over two-meter long rows of planted sugar cane seed pieces. The plots are permitted to develop and grow for 90 days after treatment and then examined, and the number of stalks per 2 m of row counted. The plots are permitted to grow and then harvested nine months after treatment. Data obtained are reported in Table XVIII below.

TABLE XVIII
______________________________________
EVALUATION OF TEST COMPOUNDS FOR
PREEMERGENCE TREATMENT OF SUGARCANE
SEED PIECES
# Stalks % Sugar
Rate 2 m of Row
Yield over
Compound (g/ha) 90 DAT* Control
______________________________________
Untreated Check
0 27 --
Isopropylammonium
2-(4-isopropyl-4-
100 44 +30.5
methyl-5-oxo-2-
125 38 +30.5
imidazolin-2-yl)-
nicotinate
______________________________________
*Days After Treatment

Orwick, Philip L., Templeton, Andrew R.

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